Cayce Elementary held their 4th Unified Day this past week. As part of being a Special Olympics School, the goal of Unified Day is to “provide an opportunity for students with and without disabilities the chance to build confidence, self-esteem, resilience, sportsmanship, and awareness for others,” according to the press release.

Other Lexington School District Two schools were at the event as well, including Riverbank Elementary School and Airport High School.

Among the volunteers at the event were former Kansas City Chief quarterback Tyler Thigpen and varsity sport students, all of whom helped run the sports stations.

Those participating in the event got the chance to play football, golf, volleyball, soccer and baseball.

“I love that this event has started to evolve past Cayce Elementary,” coordinator of the event and assistant principal of Cayce Elementary Ashley Caulder said in the press release. “It is not about shining a light on us, but on the students of Lexington Two.”

Samantha Dunn selected as delegate for Washington Youth Summit on the Environment

Lexington High School student Samantha Dunn has been selected to join the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University as a national youth delegate.

The summit is an annual student leadership conference that encourages young environmentalists and leaders to develop skills in the field of environmental studies.

Dunn was chosen based on her “academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest in excellence and leadership in the sciences and conservation studies,” according to the press release.

Dunn is currently a junior at Lexington High School in the International Baccalaureate Program. She is the president and founder of the Wildlife Conservation Club and helps run the Legacy Tree Project at Lexington High School.

Irmo Library Friends receive statewide honor

The Friends of the Irmo Library Branch were honored with this year’s Outstanding Friends Group by the Friends of South Carolina Libraries.

“The biggest way the Friends support us is through their extensive fundraising efforts,” Kim Hill, manager of the Irmo Branch Library wrote in the press release. “Since 2009, the Friends of the Irmo Branch Library have raised $209,000 — funding that has been crucial in elevating the amount and quality of programs and services we can provide for the citizens of Irmo,” the press release read.

Friends of the Irmo Library also help to support, promote and fund the Irmo branch of the Lexington County Public Libraries system. Members of this group also volunteer at many library events including used book sales and the Mystery Theater Dinner fundraisers.

“This honor belongs to all our members and is a testament to the hard work they put in daily to support the Irmo Branch Library, ” president of the Friends of the Irmo Branch Library C. Grant Jackson said in the press release.

Cayce Police Department announces blessing box unveiling

The Cayce Police Department will be unveiling a blessing box this Friday, April 19, at 3 p.m. at the Cayce Police Department on 2 Lavern Jumper Rd.

The box will “give local agencies, community members, and businesses an opportunity to help fill the box which will benefit anyone who may be in need and be a blessing to someone,” according to the press release.

It will hold non-perishable food items as well as other items such as diapers, toilet paper, new toys and resource brochures.

This event will kick off National Victims Rights Week which is held from April 21 through April 27.

Many local officials including the mayor of Cayce, city council members and Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon are scheduled to be in attendance.